FARMERS’ UNION

Southland Times, Issue 21194, 22 September 1930, Page 5

FARMERS’ UNION

SOUTHLAND EXECUTIVE. ' MONTHLY MEETING.. The monthly meeting of the Southland executive of the New Zealand Farmers Union was held on Saturday. There were present Messrs E. Bowmar (president, in the chair), D. Marshall, J. K. Toll, J. H. McLeod, O. E. Niedercr, R. Sim, G. Hamilton, J. Mcllwrick, W. H. Ward, T. R. McLean, G. Earwaker, T. McCann, W. Couser, W. J. Martin, J. J. Crampton, W. J. A. McGregor, A. Horne, A. H. McLean, S. Shaw, T. Major, J. Cowie, T. Hanning, A. Roy, W. G. Mackay, T. McCann, E. K. Sim, L. Hill, A. McKenzie, P. Arnott, J. Johnston, H. Smith, A. R. Johnston, and D. Dickie. Railway Services. “I am pleased to have all the resolutions regarding the closing of branch railways,” stated a telegram from Mr Adam Hamilton, M.P. ”1 have been interviewing the Hon. ,W. A. Veitch daily and I am still hopeful that a satisfactory service may be arranged.” In a later telegram, Mr Hamilton stated: . “I am pleased to inform you that the Minister of Railways has agreed to continue the Orawia railway service for a twelve months trial, also the Mossburn service for one week to give local people an opportunity of organizing business.” A telegram from the Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle stated that he had made representations to the Minister as requested regarding the Lumsden-Mossburn and TuatapereOrawai railway services. ■‘‘The representations containedsin the resolution have been noted and I shall be glad to give them every consideration,” stated a letter from the Minister of Railways in acknowledging receipt of resolutions passed by the executive and the Southland and Wallace County Councils. It was decided to send letters to the members of Parliament and others who had assisted in the agitation for the retention of railway services. Costs of Education. “I have to say that so far as I am aware no country has ever regretted the money expended on education and it is certainly noteworthy that Great Britain, which has suffered so much through the Great War, has had no hesitation in improving her education system even though the cost was substantially increased,” stated a letter’ from the Minister of Education (the Hon. H. Atmore) sent through the Dominion office acknowledging receipt of the resolution passed at the previous meeting in which it was urged upon the Government the inadvisability of increasing the expenditure on education and also the necessity of safeguarding the interests of small country schools. ‘lt is quite evident,” continued the Minister, “that the Mother Country realises the importance of raising the standard of education to as high a level as possible. With regard to country schools, you are, I think, aware that I am especially interested in this section of the Education system and I can assure you that the welfare of such schools will not be overlooked.” Threshing Mill Workers' Award. “I am in receipt of your letter in further reference to the recent award of the Court of Arbitration in connection with the Otago and Southland threshing mill employees,” stated a letter from the Minister of Labour (the Hon. S. G. Smith). “I find that the Southland Canterbury threshing mills employees’ award of the Court of Arbitration dated July 7, 1930 was based on the recommendations of the Conciliation Council which the parties agreed to accept. As stated in my previous letter, the Court took into consideration the increase of a half-penny per hour agreed upon in the North Canterbury and South Canterbury disputes and granted a similar increase in Otago and Southland. The Court has full power to call for evidence also any party to the proceedings may give evidence if desired.' The Court is, therefore, in a position to obtain lhe full information on which to base its decision. It does not appear to be necessary to interfere with the power of the Court. Section 80 of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, 1925 provides—“ The Court shall in all matters before it have full and exclusive jurisdicition to determine the same in such manner in all respects as in equity and good conscience it thinks fit.” “It does not tell us very much,” remarked Mr J. J. Crampton. It was decided to receive the letter, Mr Crampton stating that in giving evidence before the Arbitration Court in future it would be advisable to commence negotiations on the basis of 1/3 per hour wages. WOMEN’S DIVISION MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeeting of the Invercargill branch of the Women’s Division of the New Zealand Fanners’ Union was held on Saturday morning. Sixty members were present and the president, Mrs A. M. Ward, occupied the chair. A welcome was extended to several new members, also to Miss Finlayson, organizing secretary for Otago. The president said that the exchange system had been operating very successfully and remarked that next meeting would be a special day for exchanging plants for the garden. Cards specifying the dates of meetings were detained, but it was decided to forward them, together with a circular, to member's before the next meeting. Mrs 0. E. Niederer referred to the organizing work performed in other districts, branches being formed at Riverton, Tuatatapere, Ohai, Nightcaps, Hedgehope, Morton Mains and Edendale. In this respect thanks were due to the executive of the Farmers' Union. Mrs Smith, president of the Winton branch, said that the banner, which her branch had won by securing the largest number of new members in 1929, had arrived. It was of beautiful workmanship and had been done by the Wanganui branch of the division. Miss Finlayson addressed, the meeting. She stated that 30 men branches had been formed recently in Otago. It was decided to hold a social afternoon on October 18, friends of members being invited to attend. A deputation from the local committee of the Cancer Research Fund Campaign waited on the meeting. The speakers, Messrs F. G. Hall-Jones and J. E. Cuthill, stressed the urgency of the need of the cooperation of the division in organizing the work. They dwelt on the ravages of cancer and the imperative need of checking its, spread. The president assurred the deputation that they could rely on the hearty cooperation of the Women’s Division. Considerable time was spent in the exchange of useful ideas, Mcsdames G. S. Smith, W. H. King, R. Russell, Ward, Buxton and Miss Finlayson contributing suggestions. TUATAPERE BRANCH. (From Our Correspondent.) On Thursday, August 28, a meeting of ladies was convened to consider forming a branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union in Tuatapere. There was a fair attendance and Mrs 0. E. Niederer, provincial president, ■ presided and introduced Mrs Evans, president of the Otautau branch. Mrs Niederer very clearly explained the aims and ideals of the Women’s Division, dealing with its inception, growth and future developments. The speaker also made reference to the home science scheme of the Otago University as being controlled through the existing organization of the Women’s Division. Mrs Evans referred to the first meeting at Otautau and spoke of the housekeeping scheme. It was decided to form a ’ branch, the following being duly elected: President, Mrs Harrison; vice-presidents, Mesdames H. Erskine and J. Young; secretary, Mrs J. G. Griffin. ' All present were made a committee.. The newly-appointed president ; delivered J

an address in which she conveyed thanks to the visitors. It was decided to hold, meetings on sale days from 12.30 to 2.30 p.m., “home hints” being the subject for J next meeting on Thursday, September 25.